Gomez has been sidelined for almost three months with a hairline fracture in his lower left leg sustained at Burnley in early December, after complications required him recently to undergo surgery.

But Klopp revealed the operation has proved a major success and Gomez is already back in training, with a first team comeback scheduled around the international break in mid-March.

England defender Gomez hasn't played since early December (Image: REUTERS)

“I think after the international break, he should be okay. If nobody gets injured before then, we'll have a proper choice,” the German coach revealed.

“Joe is doing his rehab and looks good, has made big steps now — outside running and all these things.”

Klopp has been short in defence with midfielder Fabinho forced to fill in as an emergency centre-back, so that is news to warm Reds fans' hearts as they prepare for the title run-in.

Gomez might be fit when Liverpool's season resumes after the March internationals (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty)

And Lovren's return is also imminent, providing real options for the upcoming month, as Klopp said he is training fully with the rest of the squad.

The defender will be fit enough to make the bench in the derby if needed, but the manager said: “Dejan is looking good and now starts proper training. He could be ready again after Everton .”

Klopp reports Lovren's lay-off could end in the weekend derby against Everton (Image: EMPICS Sport)

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out for 10 months after tearing knee ligaments in the first leg of the Champions League semi final win over Roma. But he has returned to training with the first team squad ahead of schedule and now Klopp is looking to bring him back — possibly in an U23 game.

The junior side play Everton on March 4 and then Derby on March 8, though that is likely to be too soon for the England star.

Liverpool have seen enough of Oxlade-Chamberlain in training to start plotting his comeback game (Image: AFP/Getty)

Klopp explained: “Ox is doing 70% of team training.

“He trains full, but not as much as the others. Then he leaves a bit early to do something else, (working) on the things he needs. Everyone is always looking for a reaction but nothing happened yet.

“We have to prepare him for his entire career, not just one particular game. When he's in training it looks very nice.”